Balanced between order and disorder: a new phase in transcription elongation control and beyond

Transcription. 2019 Jun;10(3):157-163. doi: 10.1080/21541264.2019.1570812. Epub 2019 Jan 31.

Abstract

We recently reported that the cyclin T1 histidine-rich domain creates a phase-separated environment to promote hyperphosphorylation of RNA polymerase II C-terminal domain and robust transcriptional elongation by P-TEFb. Here, we discuss this and several other recent discoveries to demonstrate that phase separation is important for controlling various aspects of transcription.

Keywords: P-TEFb; Phase separation; RNA polymerase II CTD; transcription elongation; transcriptional control.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cyclin T / genetics
  • Cyclin T / metabolism
  • Histidine / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Phosphorylation
  • Positive Transcriptional Elongation Factor B / genetics*
  • Positive Transcriptional Elongation Factor B / metabolism
  • RNA Polymerase II / metabolism
  • Transcription, Genetic / genetics*

Substances

  • Cyclin T
  • Histidine
  • Positive Transcriptional Elongation Factor B
  • RNA Polymerase II